Going to West Palm Beach? Congratulations on choosing an excellent travel destination.
West Palm Beach is famous for its world-class beaches. But there’s so much more to see and do. West Palm Beach is home to a bustling city center, first-class restaurants, cultural events, entertainment, and unique shops.
With so much to do, where do you start your planning? What do you absolutely have to include on your itinerary?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover the eight best things to do in West Palm Beach to maximize the fun in your trip.
1. Norton Museum of Art
Right in the heart of West Palm Beach lies the Norton Museum of Art. This contemporary museum features impressive paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Marvel in the works of American artists such as Pollock and Hopper. The museum is also home to pieces from Picasso, Matisse, Monet, and other international masters.
For a special evening, take a limousine to Art After Dark where you can enjoy the museum’s new restaurant, followed by a special live performance.
2. Palm Beach Zoo
No trip to Florida is complete without discovering its animals. The Palm Beach Zoo is the perfect way to spend the day checking out creatures which are native to the area, such as alligators, crocodiles, and red foxes.
The zoo sprawls 23 acres and features over 700 animals. Special attractions include the koala and wallaby area and a wonderful tiger exhibit.
The kids will love the Safari Train, the interactive play fountain as well as the Wild Things Show and the Wings Over Water Show.
3. Panther Ridge Conservation Center
You may be in West Palm Beach, but you’ll feel like you are on an African safari at the Panther Ridge Conservation Center. As its name suggests, you’ll see innumerable panthers wandering freely in large fenced-off areas which mimic their natural habitat.
In addition to the black panthers, you’ll discover mountain lions, cheetahs, jaguars and many smaller cats enjoying the spacious habitats at Panther Ridge. You may even spot founder Judy Berens entering the cages and snuggling with the animals.
4. CityPlace
You could block off one day to take in this urban center and still not experience all that it offers. CityPlace is one of the most popular attractions in Florida known for its shopping, dining, and live entertainment.
If you like shopping, you’ll love the unique blend of clothing, jewelry and gift shops, which offer styles ranging from vintage to modern chic.
Fresh marketplaces give you the opportunity to make your own lunch or dinner. Or enjoy any type of food you can think of from Italian, Japanese, BBQ, Southwestern and more.
The plaza features live bands on the weekend and you can take in a show at the Improv Comedy Club. Or maybe you would rather bowl and listen to live music at Revolutions. You can even take a trolley to Clematis Street, the vibrant main street in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach.
5. Clematis Street
West Palm Beach is a fun-loving town and nowhere is this better exhibited than on Clematis Street. It sports a large variety of bars, restaurants. and one-of-a-kind shops.
The Centennial Square offers live music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. as part of Clematis By Night.
Grab some fresh food at the West Palm Beach Green Market, home to countless food and plant vendors. From there, enjoy the breathtaking waterfront views near Flagler street.
The shops are a good bet to find the perfect travel gift for a loved one. Most shops and restaurants close by 11 p.m. but the bars are typically open until 4 a.m.
6. Table 427
If you’re looking for a romantic dinner, Table 427 fits the bill. Located in historic Northwood Village, this acclaimed restaurant features seasonal and continental cuisine with a beautiful outdoor seating area.
Table 427 is known for its unique Mexican cuisine as well as its continental menu. The seasonal menu changes regularly to feature “The Best of All Seven Continents.”
Compliment your dinner with exclusive wines or your favorite cocktail.
7. DivaDuck Amphibious Tour
Check out the West Palm Beach by land and sea aboard the DivaDuck, an open-air bus which doubles as a boat. Yes, you read that right.
This 75-minute narrated tour starts at CityScape, then meanders through gorgeous neighborhoods featuring early 20th-century Spanish and Tudor homes. Before you know it, you’re cruising on Lake Worth towards the island of Palm Beach.
You’ll see The Breakers, an elegant resort and mainstay in West Palm Beach since 1896 and the Flagler Museum. For the tour’s finale, you’ll cruise on the Intercostal, taking in views of the cityscape and expansive mansions of West Palm Beach.
8. Worth Avenue
Worth Avenue is the West Palm Beach version of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. The swanky street has a collection of upscale boutiques and shops featuring high-fashion clothing and accessories straight from the runway.
All the top designers are represented, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Versace. You’ll also find fancy jewelers like Cartier and the Chanel perfumery.
But you don’t have to be rich to enjoy the sights and shopping on Worth Avenue. Have fun perusing the different shops and department stores. If you’re feeling artsy and you can also enjoy numerous galleries and courtyard artist studios.
Grab a bite at the famous Ta-Boo Restaurant, where the Kennedys were known to frequent. Or for more casual offerings, sit down at any of the unique cafรฉs or gourmet joints.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in West Palm Beach
As you can see, West Palm Beach is more than just beautiful beaches and huge mansions. There are so many things to do in West Palm Beach that will make your visit much more than a simple trip to the beach.
So much of West Palm Beach is walkable so you can enjoy the sun and cool ocean breeze as you take in all the attractions in this wonderful city. It’s the perfect destination you can visit year-round and find something enjoyable to do for the whole family.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your travel bag and get ready to put your feet in the sand in West Palm Beach now.
